Vojtěch Preissig: For the Republic!)
Vojtěch Preissig, a prominent Czech artist of the early 20th century, devoted his art and craftsmanship in graphic design to courageous service to his nation. He designed number of posters, brochures, leaflets, prints, designs and printing plates during the first and second resistance. The core of the collection consists of a number of legionary recruitment posters, exceptional in the world in terms of their artistic qualities, impressiveness and sophisticated expression. Preissig made in his workplace at Wentworth Institute in Boston also posters for the American army and other printed materials as well as designs of the Czechoslovak flag.The Language of Fibers – The Moravian Tapestry Manufactory in Valašské Meziříčí 1898–1938)
The publication offers a new look at the beginnings of production in the Moravian Tapestry Manufactory, one that contextualizes the age, artistic trends and cultural relations of the early twentieth century. The names of the architects and designers discussed in the book (Jan Kotěra, Dušan Jurkovič, Hanuš Schweiger, among others) suggest that this is not merely a historical account of and isolated tapestry establishment, but rather an enriching insight into Czech textile art created between 1898 and 1938.Biedermeier: Art and Culture in the Bohemian Lands 1814–1848. Exhibition Guide)
Biedermeier – the lifestyle as well as artistic style of the first half of the nineteenth century – was created by aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie, and gradually affected all strata of society. In the spirit of emerging civil society it was professing the ideals of practicality and simplicity, discovering the charm of everyday objects and pleasures as well as the beauty of nature and natural materials. Characteristic features of Biedermeier – the restrained elegance and straightforwardness – echoed the general modernisation of society and had come to embody the foreshadowing of modern design.